John 1:5-- "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness could not overpower it." In the Episcopal Church, in the world, and in the personal lives of many people I know and love, there is much that is discouraging, but at the heart of all things, there is the invincible joy that only Jesus gives.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Person and Parson

It’s been a little more than 24 hours since I put up the post “Office and Person”, and during that span of time I often pondered the wisdom of having done so. I was only moderately uncomfortable putting it out for public consumption, but people who care can’t read “heavy stuff” with indifference, and I suspected that most folks who read it wouldn’t know what to do about it except maybe feel ill at ease. Besides, it wasn’t my usual kind of post.

1 comment:

Old and grey-headed
said...

There is a lovely account in Robert Coles' biography of Erik Erikson. JoanErikson was in analysis. She went to see her analyst, and as she entered the (second floor) consulting room, remarked on the lovely flowers growing in the window box. In solid analytic fashion he began the session from those words. When the session was over, he asked her to wait outside the front door, and went around to the garden, fetched a ladder, brought it around, and plucked her a bouquet. So much for professional 'detachment'!.I am a priest of 46 years. I spent the first twelve in parish ministry, went back to do an MSW, and the next 14 as a psychodynamic therapist and supervisor, then back to work for the institutional church as an assistant to the Bishop (seven years). I retired a bit early due to cardiac trouble. In retirement, I do supply around 15 times a year, pray the offices in our private chapel, and do some spiritual direction (I don't charge or accept donations for SD). During the 14 years I was out of 'paid' ministry, I did supply and a few part time interims. I AVOIDED conventions and conferences!! I think I learned more about 'being' a priest in my own person (or being my own person as a priest) in the 14 years in the wilderness, than in the 26 years in paid positions. You are to be commended for the struggle and the insight/wisdom that is coming to you.

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About Me

I am an Episcopal priest, born and raised in the Episcopal Church. I am a member of Forward in Faith and the Society of the Holy Cross. I was Rector of Blessed Sacrament Church, Placentia, California in the Diocese of Los Angeles for 34 years, and retired in November 2012. Now I am part-time Priest-in-Charge of St. John's in Centralia and St. Thomas' in Salem, Illinois. Probably I was a mystic and a theologian from my earliest years, although I wouldn't have used those terms when I was five years old. My interest in astronomy began when I was seven, and that led to fascination with geology, physics (especially the physics of light and time), mathematics, history, languages, literature, music, athletics (gymnastics and martial arts), and art. Eventually I realized that these were all aspects of theology. Becoming a priest made it possible for me to live in all of my interests at once and, most importantly, use them as a basis for loving God and other human beings in my ministry.